Each session includes topic information, practical tips, group activites and discussion. Topics will include a selection of the following: energy, waste, shopping, ecology, organic gardening, water and transport. There is also the option of joining an organised Saturday tour of an organic garden or eco-house.
To register: Phone Selwyn Community Education on 09 521 9623, or register online at: www.selwncomed.school.nz.
For more information about this course you can contact Melanie at mvoyce@gmail.com.
‘Gambusia – friend or foe?’ by Dr Kit Hustler. Kit is a teacher
at Northcote College and has been coordinating students’
work at Little Shoal Bay. He will bring some students along,
both those with field experience and those who will be doing
analysis. Come hear about Gambusia (mosquito fish) and its
potential impacts on NZ fish species.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, 7.45pm, in the Senior Citizens Hall, behind the Takapuna Library, The Strand, Takapuna, entry by donation, non members very welcome. Meetings usually involve some announcements, weed of the month, native plant of the month and a presentation by an interesting speaker. This is followed by some fellowship and a cup of tea or coffee
Description: General Maintenance of Shakespear Regional Park. Tasks and projects will change depending on volunteer numbers, skills and weather.
What shall I bring? Good footwear and weather appropriate clothing. You will be informed if anything else is required.
What's in it for me? Coffee, tea, cold drink and biscuits. Training and equipment provided.
Do I need to book? No. A low-level of fitness is required. Volunteers can volunteer further time by arranging on the Tuesday the days and times for other opportunities.
Meet at park office/workshop yards in Te Haruhi Bay
Volunteer to help with pest control programmes, general maintenance and other projects around the Mahurangi Regional Park.
Tasks and projects will change depending on volunteer numbers, skills and weather.
This is a new volunteer day, so be one of the first to be part of the committees involved in the running of Mahurangi Regional Park.
Where do I go? Meet at workshop/park office at Sullivans Bay. What shall I bring? Good footwear and weather appropriate clothing. What's in it for me? Coffee, tea, cold drink and biscuits. Training and equipment provided. Do I need to book? No. A low-level of fitness is required. Volunteers can volunteer further time by arranging on the Tuesday the days and times for other opportunities. Contact: Sue Hill Phone 09-426 1200 or e-mail sue.hill@arc.govt.nz
Interested in living more sustainably? Then come along to the “First Tuesday” sustainability speakers series and hear from a stunning line-up of experts on environmental sustainability in the urban environment. This series aims to highlight the ways that people in the city can still have a positive impact on the environment.
Where: The talks will be held at CCS Disability Action, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak. When: The first Tuesday of every month Time: 7pm - 9pm Cost: $5 koha at the door Contact: scott.thiemann@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
Mayor Bob Harvey -Taking the eco-city to the supercity – inclusive leadership for Auckland and New Zealand - 2 March 2010
There’s one job that will make or break the Auckland supercity. It’s not getting the roads or water sorted. Even setting the rates pales in comparison. The biggest challenge facing Auckland is creating an identity.
Out west, there’s a template for how to do it. In the last 17 years, Waitakere has carved out an identity as a strong and sustainable eco-city, full of proud ‘Westies’. Its Mayor Bob Harvey will talk about the challenges and triumphs of creating a sense of self in a diverse community. He will argue that supercity Auckland needs some soul. It needs to go west.
A small group of keen native forest restoration workers meet each week in Centennial Park. In season we plant lots of native plants, and the rest of the year is spent mainly on weed control, with occasional track maintenance and other tasks. It is good exercise and good fun. We usually break for a coffee at 10.30 to recharge and work til midday ish. Over time a small number of dedicated people can make a big difference. For where to meet or to be on our email notification list please email bushsoc@gmail.com
For more information see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
Auckland welcomes three prestigious international sailing events to the Waitemata Harbour in March 2010 for the three-week Auckland Festival of Sailing.
Thanks to Auckland City Council, everyone can get up close to the sailing action on free public spectator boat trips running during the two key weekends of the Auckland Festival of Sailing on 13 and 14 and 20 and 21 March.
This once in a lifetime opportunity is limited to the first 120 people per sailing, with two sailings on each day at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
Registrations for a place onboard Olympic Spirit are first come, first served, and open one hour before each sailing time at the departure location, in front of Kermadec bar and restaurant, Viaduct Harbour.
Discover the uniqueness that is Waiheke. Unspoiled sandy beaches, lush native bush, fabulous views, and the island's best walkways. Just waiting to be explored.
Auckland City Council is providing free guided walks on Waiheke Island every Wednesday and Sunday through March. No bookings required.
Catch the 10am Fullers ferry from Auckland's ferry building to Waiheke Island. A professional guide will meet you at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke with a sign saying 'Free guided walks'. Please contact Fullers for details on discounted travel for this promotion.
You'll need to be fairly fit. Each walk is approximately 1 to 2 hours and will usually include a mix of coastal, bush and hill tracks. There will be a different route each week. All walks are suitable for dogs.
The walks will take place rain or shine, there is no rain date.
Notice of Annual General Meeting & Evening Meeting
Date: Wednesday 3rd March 2010 Time: 7.30 pm Place: Building 115, level 2, Room 2005 Note: This is our new meeting room location Building 115, Health Sciences, is at the south end of campus, entry at gate 4 (the top of Carrington Rd, nearest Mount Albert Road). There is ample parking to the south of the building and entry is via a ramp at level 2 (so has wheelchair access).
AGM Agenda
7.30 pm - General Business & Reports
8.00pm - Plant of the Month - Ross Beever
8.20pm Bot Soc Trip to Central Otago including botany of the Remarkables Ski Field, Old Man Range, and Pisa Range. Speaker: Maureen Young/Alison Wesley
A presentation of the Botanical highlights of this unique region characterized by ancient rocks, including weathered outcrops of schist, low rainfall and generally poor and water deficient soils including saltpans. These factors have given rise to unique species.
NZ Marine invites you to come enjoy a fun day's racing on Auckland's spectacular Hauraki Gulf and a starlit evening barbeque beside the historic beautiful Mansion House on Kawau Island!
Funded by the Perry Foundation, the popular Nursery Bites programme is FREE and consists of nine mini-workshops held at Kaipatiki Project's Environment Centre in Birkdale(www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different plant propagation topic is focussed on, using hands-on learning and group-work in Kaipatiki's nursery and the surrounding Eskdale bush reserve.
Aimed at upskilling volunteers, Nursery Bites can be taken as individual 'bite-size' topics or as a complete series as part of a work-experience or volunteer programme. Go to the website above for a full list of topics or search the ecoevents calendar.
Places are limited to 20 people per week so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz.
The LATE INNOVATE series begins in March with LATE 01, which investigates the way science drives the economy and underpins our everyday life.
The panel will discuss how science has helped grow our nation, from early ‘Number Eight Wire’ innovations in agriculture, through to atom-splitting and current biotech projects. It will then turn its attention toward where the next real innovation is needed, communicating a greater understanding and passion for science throughout New Zealand.
Where: Auckland Museum Cost: $20 online booking ($3 booking fee applies) | Door sales $25 Time: 6.30pm-11pm
Smart Talk - The panel features Dr Helen Anderson alongside ‘New Zealander of the Year’ Ray Avery.
Great Music - Music on the evening features Auckland band An Emerald City, the Mana Maoli Collective of Hawaiian performers, and the legendary DJ Stinky Jim.
This is a draft date. Please contact Richard Hursthouse, Chairman at bushsoc@gmail.com or 410 5339 to confirm time and location.
If you would like regular notification of weekend or weekday working dates and locations please email and we can put you on the list.
Volunteers have been working with the Centennial Park Bush Society for more than 30 years. Work includes weed control, track maintenance, plant rearing, planting and mulching and maintaining planted areas.
For more information, see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine Reserves programme www.emr.org.nz are organizing this Marine Leadership Competition to celebrate Seaweek.
Prizes
Marine Leadership Weekend - 14 top achievers from the Auckland and Northland region shall be chosen to attend a weekend in Northland (20 & 21st March), including a trip to Whangarei Harbour marine reserve, evening workshops at Tutukaka and a snorkel trip to the Poor Knights (includes food, accomodation and trasport)
Snorkel Gear - Top quality ‘Wettie’ www.wettie.co.nz Snorkel Gear and other Marine Prizes for top achievers from other regions other than Northland & Auckland
Applications are open to school students from year 8 to year 13, entries to be received by the end of Seaweek, no later than March 14, 2010. For more information please click here.
Sign up for Coastal Cleanup on Aotea/Great Barrier Island 6th-7th March 2010 Book your tickets now at: www.sustainablecoastlines.org
WHAT? Last year at an event that spanned the West Coast of Aotea/Great Barrier Island, volunteers working with Sustainable Coastlines removed over 2.8 tonnes of rubbish in one day. 85-90% of this came from the storm drains of Auckland City and from the boats that enjoy the beautiful island each summer. Come down and help us do it again this year! We'll be picking up rubbish from the island’s coasts on foot, vehicles, yacht, boat, kayak and dive groups depending on preference and capability.
WHERE? Aotea/Great Barrier Island - volunteers are welcome to either make their own way there or come as a foot passenger on our chartered ferry from downtown Auckland.
WHEN? Saturday 6th March: Ferry leaves downtown Auckland at 8am, arriving at Great Barrier Island mid morning. We will cleanup the coastlines then enjoy a BBQ and celebration with some top musical artists at the Claris Club in the evening. (Free on-site camping available) Sunday 7th March: Everyone is free to enjoy the amazing location. Possibilities include world class surfing, diving the crystal clear waters, challenging tramping, soothing natural hot pools, golf, cycling, great fishing and simply relaxing on Great Barrier Island. Ferry departs Great Barrier Island at 5:30pm and arrives back in Auckland at around 7:30pm.
WHO? Everyone is welcome, under 18s must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Sustainable Coastlines is a New Zealand charity with solid results from events in the Galapagos Islands, Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand. We focus on community wide participation in activities at grass roots level, with the education of young people about coastline protection and recycling the underlying priority. What sets us apart however is that we make it FUN!
WHY? When litter is dropped on the streets of Auckland City, it flows through the storm water drains and out into the Hauraki Gulf. Every city-facing coastline of all of the gulf’s islands is covered in trash, choking the ecosystem and poisoning marine life. Boats contribute to this problem also; especially through fishing rubbish and plastic debris escaping from vessels; so take the opportunity to help clean up our coastline whilst enjoying the epic island scenery and attractions with hundreds of other volunteers.
HOW? Spaces on the ferry are limited so make sure you book your seat now- an absolute bargain at $50 return per person- www.sustainablecoastlines.org There's plenty of room for dive/fishing gear, surfboards, bicycles etc and plenty of time to explore the beautiful Great Barrier Island on Sunday as well as discounts to be announced for rental cars.
F&P Recycling day Take your worn appliances to F&P for recycling on the 6th March 2010. The first 100 people recieve a $150 voucher towards a new F&P appliance! They accept any brand of appliance, and will accept any:
'Bush Walk & Talk' is a series of five 2 hour educational walks aimed at enabling people to identify New Zealand native trees, plants and flowers as part of a comfortable stroll in a small, social group.
Presented by Margi Keys from Discovery Walks, the programme is offered through Kaipatiki Project (www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different North Shore bush reserve is explored - there is opportunity to stop and identify species as well as discuss the surroundings.
The series costs $50 for five Saturday morning walks. Walks take place rain or shine so bring a raincoat, sturdy shoes/boots as well as water to drink.
Places are limited to 12 people so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email admin@kaipatiki.org.nz.
The HazMobile is a free service for householders who want to dispose of their unwanted hazardous materials safely and responsibly.
In some areas of New Zealand, the HazMobile visits a public car park on specific dates to receive household and garden chemicals, waste oil, batteries, lead based paints and other products that can potentially harm people or the environment.
Please join the growing number of people who come to the HazMobile to make sure that their hazardous wastes are disposed of safely! Area: Auckland City Location: Glen Innes Address: Glen Innes Community Centre carpark, Line Road Time: 10am - 2pm
6th - 14th MarchArt in the Woolshed 2010, our major fund-raiser, is again going to be a wonderful exhibition. And we are aiming to raise serious funds for Tawharanui. There are some surprises in store – as well as a fine line-up of top New Zealand artists there will be installations on environmental themes by three specially selected artists.
How you can help with AITW:
Come to the exhibition yourself.
If up can help during the exhibition please contact Rhys Thompson: 09 426 5421 or gordini@clear.net.nz
Forward the electronic flyer I’ll be sending you soon to any of your email contacts you think would enjoy seeing great art at Tawharanui.
Tell your family and friends about the exhibition - we need your help with promoting AITW
A FREE recreational and educational event to celebrate Seaweek 2010 + National Childrens Week 2010.
Where: Maraetai Park When: 11am - 2pm Lots of activities will be running throughout the day including:
fishing off the wharf (starts at 11am)
big dig (starts at 12pm)
sandcastle competition (starts at 1pm)
$ 2 boat rides
beach volleyball
kiwi cricket
Lots of prizes to be won!
Northern Coastguard, Ministry of Fisheries & Wespac Rescue Helicopter will be there along with plenty of information displays + boat and helicopter viewing.
Want healthy food that’s locally grown or produced?
The Auckland Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community-owned and operated produce market that provides fresh, locally grown goods that come from within a 200km radius of the Grey Lynn suburb. With 30-plus stallholders, and growing, there’s plenty of choice to do your weekly shop. From vegetables and fruit, to fish and meat, salad dressing, cheese, olive oils, jams, strawberries and more, there is a story behind every product you buy.
The innovative Ooooby stall means customers can bring their own backyard produce to sell or swap with other home garden suppliers, creating a community-centric market that encourages sustainability and good food. Just bring your produce to the Ooooby stall to participate – even better, bring it pre-bagged in the quantities you want to sell and with your name and price attached.
Membership cost $30 for the year and gives you a 10% discount on your purchases, plus voting rights on how the market is run.
What: Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market When: Every Sunday but the last of the month Where: The Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland Time: 9am to 1pm Website:www.glfm.co.nz
Discover the uniqueness that is Waiheke. Unspoiled sandy beaches, lush native bush, fabulous views, and the island's best walkways. Just waiting to be explored.
Auckland City Council is providing free guided walks on Waiheke Island every Wednesday and Sunday through March. No bookings required.
Catch the 10am Fullers ferry from Auckland's ferry building to Waiheke Island. A professional guide will meet you at the Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke with a sign saying 'Free guided walks'. Please contact Fullers for details on discounted travel for this promotion.
You'll need to be fairly fit. Each walk is approximately 1 to 2 hours and will usually include a mix of coastal, bush and hill tracks. There will be a different route each week. All walks are suitable for dogs.
The walks will take place rain or shine, there is no rain date.
Take a Kid Fishing! When: Sunday March 7th Where: Boats leaving from Warkworth wharf 10.30am and returning about 3pm for prizegiving and spot prizes.
With the Seaweek theme "Fish for the Future", what better way to learn about the fun (and rules) of recreational fishing. The Take a Kid Fishing competition is run by Warkworth Lions. Young competitors can fish from boats including the historic scow the Jane Gifford. Return about 3pm for prizegiving and spot prizes. $2 entry. Tickets from Warkworth retailers: Hunting and Fishing, Baxter St (09 422 2308) or Sportsworld in Queen Street (09 425 7077)
Want to learn about issues related to sustainable fisheries?
Care about the sea and want to stop over-fishing and pollution?
In celebration of Seaweek (6-14 March 2010), come along to a FREE workshop with Nandor Tanczos, ex-member of parliament, to discuss How to Participate in Government Decisions
The workshop will focus on: • The Seaweek theme of Sustainable Fisheries • How the government works • How you can have your say on issues that affect you • How to write submissions
Date: Monday 8th March Start Time: 9am for Powhiri Finish time: 3pm (lunch provided) Venue: Te Whanau o Tupuranga (part of Clover Park school) Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. Please contact: Emma Childs Auckland Regional Council Ph 09 366 2000 extn 8882 Email: emma.childs@arc.govt.nz
Description: General Maintenance of Shakespear Regional Park. Tasks and projects will change depending on volunteer numbers, skills and weather.
What shall I bring? Good footwear and weather appropriate clothing. You will be informed if anything else is required.
What's in it for me? Coffee, tea, cold drink and biscuits. Training and equipment provided.
Do I need to book? No. A low-level of fitness is required. Volunteers can volunteer further time by arranging on the Tuesday the days and times for other opportunities.
Meet at park office/workshop yards in Te Haruhi Bay
A small group of keen native forest restoration workers meet each week in Centennial Park. In season we plant lots of native plants, and the rest of the year is spent mainly on weed control, with occasional track maintenance and other tasks. It is good exercise and good fun. We usually break for a coffee at 10.30 to recharge and work til midday ish. Over time a small number of dedicated people can make a big difference. For where to meet or to be on our email notification list please email bushsoc@gmail.com
For more information see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
Funded by the Perry Foundation, the popular Nursery Bites programme is FREE and consists of nine mini-workshops held at Kaipatiki Project's Environment Centre in Birkdale. Each week a different plant propagation topic is focussed on, using hands-on learning and group-work in Kaipatiki's nursery and the surrounding Eskdale bush reserve.
Aimed at upskilling volunteers, Nursery Bites can be taken as individual 'bite-size' topics or as a complete series as part of a work-experience or volunteer programme. Go to our website for a full list of topics or search the ecoevents calendar.
Places are limited to 20 people per week so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz.
Marine Conservation Talks with Speakers: Barbara Breen, Pete Crabb, Steve O'Shea, Liz Slooten and Karen Stockin
What: Short talks followed by discussion over a glass of wine
When: Thursday 11 March, 4-6 pm
Where: Auckland University of Technology, Room WS 114, Engineering and Applied Sciences Building, 34 St Paul Street (Public Carparks at 6 St Paul St and 56 Wakefield St)
A selection of short talks about marine conservation by experts from Massey University, Otago University, Auckland University of Technology and the New Zealand Underwater Association, who between them have decades of experience in research, diving and conservation.
These talks will inspire (and at times infuriate) you, with beautiful photographs and video footage, information about human impacts on the marine environment and on how we can work together to help protect it.
Topics include:
"Giants of the deep: What we do and don't know"
"Hector's and Maui's dolphins"
"Environmental impacts of fishing"
"Diving in the Sanctuaries of the Sea"
"How to design a marine reserve, using GIS and other methods"
"Conservation of common dolphins in New Zealand waters"
Introduction to Sustainability is part of the EcoBiz series of seminars.
Introduction to Sustainability informs businesses of the Environmental Management Programmes availabile which qualify for a council subsidy.
The shift towards sustainability is gathering momentum at a rate that is catching many businesses unaware.Research shows that sustainable practices in business are increasingly expected by your clients and customers. Requests for Proposals are seeking more and more information about what you are doing for the environment, and new regulations are continually imposing greater costs on activities that have environmental impacts.
This seminar will give you the opportunity to sign up to a subsidised environmental programme, and hear how by taking action, you can reduce costs, improve your competitiveness in the market, and enhance your reputation as a responsible business that is in tune with the times.
Date: 11 March 2010 Time: 4 - 7pm Place: Auckland Town Hall
Film screening: The End of the Line - a documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing
Guest speaker: Clive Monds, Marine Campaigner, Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand Inc (ECO) All proceeds go to: Auckland University Underwater Club ‘Save our Boat’ fund.
When: Thursday 11 March at 7.00pm Where: Room OGG098, Owen G Glenn Building, University of Auckland Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children (under 15 years)
Visitors can park on the lower five floors of the Owen G Glenn Building. Access via Grafton Road. Charges apply.
For further information and tickets contact: Ali Perkins, email grants@akunidive.com or mobile 021 066 5760
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a Fullers Discovery Cruise
Fullers Discovery Cruise 1 - North of Auckland Date: Saturday 13th March Time: 9am – 5pm Guest commentary by Mel Galbraithe, Senior Lecturer Natural Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology
Cruise via Tiritiri Matangi Island, Motuketekete, Moturekareka, Motuora and on to Kawau Island for a guided walk with the Friends of Mansion House, followed by a cruise around Little Barrier Island.
This is a confirmed date – please contact Anne (480 5570) or Richard (410 5339) to express interest.
Tuff Crater is North Shore Forest and Bird’s key restoration project. We need volunteers to help! Please put your hand up for weed control, spraying (once qualified), plant rearing and fundraising. If you’d like to be on the regular email notification list for Tuff Crater work days, please email northshore.branch@forestandbird.org.nz. Anne is coordinating some Friday mornings. There’s scope to nominate an area you wish to care for and work independently on. Training on weed recognition and weed control can be arranged. Some equipment may also be available.
Normally we meet at the Canon Car park on Warehouse Way. Bring a spade, gloves, hand saw, pruners, grubber, and some morning tea. If we are not there, please walk down the path between Canon and the Warehouse and turn left. In case of dodgy weather please phone Anne 480-5570 or Richard 410 5339
For more information see http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/branches/north-shore
Auckland welcomes three prestigious international sailing events to the Waitemata Harbour in March 2010 for the three-week Auckland Festival of Sailing.
Thanks to Auckland City Council, everyone can get up close to the sailing action on free public spectator boat trips running during the two key weekends of the Auckland Festival of Sailing on 13 and 14 and 20 and 21 March.
This once in a lifetime opportunity is limited to the first 120 people per sailing, with two sailings on each day at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
Registrations for a place onboard Olympic Spirit are first come, first served, and open one hour before each sailing time at the departure location, in front of Kermadec bar and restaurant, Viaduct Harbour.
Discover how you can work with your neighbours to look after local streams and gardens!
Whether working as part of a community project or planning something new, the ‘Nature In My Neighbourhood’ programme is a great way to learn from the experts and develop new hands-on skills.
Saturday 13 March - Looking to the future. Saturday 20 March - Stepping into the shoes of the environment. Time: 9.30 am -12.30 pm. Venue: Rutherford College and site visits. Cost: Only $10 a session or $15 for two. To enrol:www.westaucklandcomed.co.nz or phone 834 4099 by Tuesday 9 March 2010.
National Launch event: Free Community Snorkelling Day Leigh Marine Reserve (Goat Island) Date: Postponed from Saturday 6th March due to weather but now on 13th March Time: 9.30am - 1pm
10am to 1pm - Free snorkelling sessions running continuously (no bookings taken, just turn up) 9.30am only - Half price trip on the Glass Bottom Boat, need to book ahead - ph 422 6334 or info@glassbottomboat.co.nz
Come and explore the wonders of the Leigh marine reserve with the team from Experiencing Marine Reserves and Department of Conservation. They will be taking small groups out to enjoy the amazing underwater world in this special place.
Families welcome, all children 15 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins supplied at no charge, bring usual swimming attire, towel, sunblock, underwater camera?
Register for the snorkelling on site at the DOC tent (NB book ahead for the Glass Bottom Boat trip)
Enquiries: phone Department of Conservation 425 7812 Cancellation: Listen to NewstalkZB on the hour after the news
'Bush Walk & Talk' is a series of five 2 hour educational walks aimed at enabling people to identify New Zealand native trees, plants and flowers as part of a comfortable stroll in a small, social group.
Presented by Margi Keys from Discovery Walks, the programme is offered through Kaipatiki Project (www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different North Shore bush reserve is explored - there is opportunity to stop and identify species as well as discuss the surroundings.
The series costs $50 for five Saturday morning walks. Walks take place rain or shine so bring a raincoat, sturdy shoes/boots as well as water to drink.
Places are limited to 12 people so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email admin@kaipatiki.org.nz.
Project Jonah is working with the Auckland Regional Council to once again do a clean-up of Cornwallis Beach, this time as part of Seaweek on Saturday the 13th of March. Seaweek is an annual event run by the NZ Association for Environmental Education that allows New Zealanders to come together and, celebrate the sea. It’s not just for children or those involved with formal education – it’s a time for all of us to get to know our ocean, its habits, characteristics and inhabitants, and to help make a difference.
As an organisation Project Jonah is very protective over the big blue, which is understandable given that it’s the stuff that whales, dolphins and seals live in. We naturally get angry when we see and hear of marine pollution and littering, and as you know, marine mammals often mistake floating plastic debris for food or accidentally swallow it.
Unfortunately, marine pollution is wholly a manmade issue. For whatever reason, we’ve allowed rubbish and other pollutant to get into the ocean, directly affecting its health, the health of the animals that live in it, and our own. Each year more than 7 billion tonnes of rubbish makes its way into the sea and that’s pretty dumb. BUT there is something we can do!
Participate in Seaweek or just show your good old fashioned "Keep New Zealand Clean and Green" ethic by joining our Beach Cleanup Crew!
Join us on Saturday the 13th of March to roll up your sleeves and get a bit dirty in a bid to combat marine debris. We'll be meeting at 10am in the main carpark of Cornwallis Beach (the next turnoff after Mill Bay) and after a quick health and safety briefing will split into teams to tackle the beach. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, snacks, lots of water, any personal medication, and anything else you might need. There are two toilet blocks, and sinks available for washing up afterwards. Depending on weather, how many people turn up, and how much rubbish there is, we hope to be finished by 12 o'clock, after which you're welcome to bring along some food and join us for a BBQ afterwards.
Take the North-Western Motorway to the Great North Road Exit. Follow Great North Road onto Ash Street, which leads onto Rata Street. Take Titirangi Road right through Titirangi Village to the roundabout, take Huia Road and Cornwallis is signposted off it.
Celebrate Seaweek by joining a community beach clean up at Long Bay!
Date: Saturday 13 March 2010 Meet: at Site 3 Long Bay Regional Park (it is well signposted) Time: 10am - 2pm
What? Come and help us clean up the park and beach. We will record what is collected and then recycle where possible. Why? What's dropped on the land ends up in the sea. What else will be there? The Great Drain Game; representatives of the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education Centre(MERC) and of Greenpeace. We will supply: Cold drinks, sun-block and a lovely setting You should bring: Gloves, weather-appropriate clothing and a hat; your energy and your desire to clean up the planet!
LEIGH MARINE RESERVE: EXPLORE THE UNDERWATER WORLD
Sunday 14 March 2010 - Celebrate Sea Week (7-14 March)
Join Forest & Bird/KCC for a visit to local marine reserve. Make your own way to Leigh Marine Reserve Goat Island, and meet for a 1.00 startunder the big Pohutukawa tree at the bottom left of the staircase which lead down to the Goat Island beach. We will explore the rocky pools and confident swimmers will be able to snorkel if the weather is good.
Learn about marine reserves. Celebrate that Goat Island was NZ's first marine reserve, and see how successful it has become.
You will need to bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, flippers and/or sand shoes, togs, towel, mask and snorkel and/or swimming goggles, a hat and sunscreen. And drinks and snacks.
There will be a small charge per person for snorkel hire and guiding. Guides for these are Tony and Jenny Enderby, well-known marine advocates who'e written for F&B magazine about Goat Island M.R.
All welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult please.
Book with Siobhan by email: siobhanlatham@xtra.co.nz and please say whether you are a member or not. If bookings are limited, preference will go to members - at the discretion of the person taking bookings.
Date: Sunday 14th March Time: 9am – 1pm Meet: Whangateau Hall, 15 mins north of Warkworth on Leigh Road
Whangateau Harbour Care Society and Forest and Bird Society invite you along for their Seaweek event. Join local experts on a ‘bus Hikoi’ showcasing the history, geography and natural history of the Whangateau Harbour and surrounds. This event is in partnership with the MOKO Trust representing Ngati Manuhiri.
There will be opportunities for short walks to see points of interest so bring beach shoes, water and lunch. Departs Whangateau Hall at 9am, returning around 1pm to the hall.
Spaces limited so book your seats with Margaret at mls@xtra.co.nz or phone evenings 422 9717
Want healthy food that’s locally grown or produced?
The Auckland Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community-owned and operated produce market that provides fresh, locally grown goods that come from within a 200km radius of the Grey Lynn suburb. With 30-plus stallholders, and growing, there’s plenty of choice to do your weekly shop. From vegetables and fruit, to fish and meat, salad dressing, cheese, olive oils, jams, strawberries and more, there is a story behind every product you buy.
The innovative Ooooby stall means customers can bring their own backyard produce to sell or swap with other home garden suppliers, creating a community-centric market that encourages sustainability and good food. Just bring your produce to the Ooooby stall to participate – even better, bring it pre-bagged in the quantities you want to sell and with your name and price attached.
Membership cost $30 for the year and gives you a 10% discount on your purchases, plus voting rights on how the market is run.
What: Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market When: Every Sunday but the last of the month Where: The Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland Time: 9am to 1pm Website:www.glfm.co.nz
Motion in the Ocean is an upcoming community initiative organised by Western Springs students. The local community will be encouraged to join us on a full circuit creek clean up of Motions and Meola creek, both of which end on either side of Meola Reef.
Meet: We will all meet in the Western Springs College carpark. Time: 10am - 2pm Bring: Participants will bring rubbish bags from home, and we will have spares and be providing gloves. Details: They will be briefed on safety issues of the cleanup as we get a free tram ride, curtesy of MOTAT to MOTAT 1, where Motions creek starts. From there to the end of the circuit, everyone will be picking up rubbish as we go. Participants will have a brief talk there on the history of the pumphouse at MOTAT 1, and will then walk through to Western Springs, and have another talk from 'fish and game' who manage fresh water and water bird issues, or from DoC on grass carp water weed management. From there we will walk through the zoo and look at their use of the creek including raising koi carp for feeding alligators. From there we will go through Jagger's Bush track and have Wai Care Auckland Regional Council to talk about stream side planting and then go onto the eastern side of Meola reef to talk about the Waitemata Harbour and rubbish, pollution and sewage. We will then move around to the western side of the reef where Meola Creek ends, where we will have a government representative to talk to us about why the creek is so polluted and what Auckland City is doing about it. Finally we will follow Meola Creek up past the back of MOTAT 2 to Western Springs College where there will be a waste audit and shared lunch-please make a contribution, bring along some home cooking!
This is a great family event, and its free. The main message is that the creek is not in all of these places, all of these places are in the creek. Such as, the creek does not run through the zoo, the zoo is built around the creek. We want to lift peoples ideas about fresh water conservation and it's effect on marine conservation.
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a Fullers Discovery Cruise
Fullers Discovery Cruise 2 - Auckland & The Inner Gulf Date: Saturday 14th March Time: 10am – 5pm Guest commentary by Nic Vallance Senior Media Adviser, Department of Conservation Cost: Adult $59 Child $29 Senior $49
Cruise to Motuihe for a guided walk by the Motuihe Trust followed by a cruise around Waiheke Island, the Noises, Rakino and on to Motutapu for a guided walk with the Motutapu Restoration Trust.
About Johann Bernhardt: Johann Bernhardt is the director of Bernhardt Architecture Ltd, which have designed sustainable houses around NZ for many years. Their New Zealand projects have featured on TV (i.e. ‘My House, my Castle’ in NZ, ‘The World’s Greenest Homes’ in Canada and the US) and in many magazines. Johann also manages the Auckland office of the Building Biology and Ecology Institute (BBE). The BBE researches, collects and disseminates information on ecological building and healthy living. Johann is the editor of the recently published book ‘A deeper shade of Green’ – the first and only comprehensive book on sustainable urban development, building and architecture in New Zealand. www.bernhardtarchitecture.co.nz and www.ecoprojects.co.nz (BBE)
What to expect: Johann will talk about the state of NZ houses and their influence on our wellbeing. Starting by looking at pollutants in our homes and how to eliminate/reduce them is the first step to improve indoor air quality. Further improvements can be made through renovations and alterations. Johann will show in what ways the use of building materials, energy efficiency measures, water conservation and the minimization of waste can improve both the environment in general and our wellbeing. In this workshop you will learn to look at your house in a new way. You will be able to identify potential causes of health problems and the kind of measures that would be appropriate to deal with them. You will also learn to see the value in ‘beneficial’ investments in the house, i.e. those that improve living quality and save you money in the long run, not to mention their environmental benefits. Duration: 2-2.30 hours Please specify morning or afternoon workshop Workshop 1: 10.30 am Workshop 2: 2.00 pm Location: Mt Eden Village Contribution: $40.00 Numbers are limited to 10 per workshop. Please rsvp to Judith Holtebrinck, E: mountedenvillagepeople@gmail.com
Forest and Bird (Mid North Branch) in association with Matakana Cinemas presents the world’s first major documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing, premiered at Sundance Film Festival.
Imagine an ocean without fish. Imagine your meals without seafood. Imagine the global consequences. This is the future if we do not stop, think and act.
Film “End of the Line”. Sunday 14th March, 8pm Matakana Theatre One show only at the Paradiso Theatre at Matakana. Door sales only. $10.00.
Volunteer to help with pest control programmes, general maintenance and other projects around the Mahurangi Regional Park.
Tasks and projects will change depending on volunteer numbers, skills and weather.
This is a new volunteer day, so be one of the first to be part of the committees involved in the running of Mahurangi Regional Park.
Where do I go? Meet at workshop/park office at Sullivans Bay.
What shall I bring? Good footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
What's in it for me? Coffee, tea, cold drink and biscuits. Training and equipment provided.
Do I need to book? No. A low-level of fitness is required. Volunteers can volunteer further time by arranging on the Tuesday the days and times for other opportunities.
A small group of keen native forest restoration workers meet each week in Centennial Park. In season we plant lots of native plants, and the rest of the year is spent mainly on weed control, with occasional track maintenance and other tasks. It is good exercise and good fun. We usually break for a coffee at 10.30 to recharge and work til midday ish. Over time a small number of dedicated people can make a big difference. For where to meet or to be on our email notification list please email bushsoc@gmail.com
For more information see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
Funded by the Perry Foundation, the popular Nursery Bites programme isFREE
and consists of nine mini-workshops held at Kaipatiki Project's Environment Centre in Birkdale(www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different plant propagation topic is focussed on, using hands-on learning and group-work in Kaipatiki's nursery and the surrounding Eskdale bush reserve.
Aimed at upskilling volunteers, Nursery Bites can be taken as individual 'bite-size' topics or as a complete series as part of a work-experience or volunteer programme. Go to the website above for a full list of topics or search the ecoevents calendar.
Places are limited to 20 people per week so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz.
The Whangateau community forum brings together people interested in protecting the long term health of the Whangateau harbour and catchment, with the forum being a vehicle for networking and information sharing. The forum meets 3 times a year in November, February, and June.
Details of the next meeting of the Whangateau forum are:
Date: Thursday 18 March 2010
Time: 6pm – 8pm (with light supper provided) – doors open at 5.30pm
Place: Point Wells Community Hall
For further information, please contact Anthony Lewis, on 09 366 2000 ext 8692 or email anthony.lewis@arc.govt.nz.
“Light Up At Twilight” Bring the family, a picnic, your bike, pram or just your legs and celebrate the lighting up of the cycleway. When: Friday, 19 March 2010 Where: at Field 3, Henderson Park Time: 5.30pm – 9pm Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse will ‘switch on the lights' at sunset – 7.45pm. Free family fun from 5.30pm. Music and dance, competitions (decorate your bike or come in fancy dress and be in to win super prizes); face painting, bouncy castle, community group displays, art events, sausage sizzle, bike activities – we can lend you a bike if you don’t have one yourself! Fun for all ages – short Bike and Walk Treks from 5.30pm. Parking at Corban Estate.
Discover how you can work with your neighbours to look after local streams and gardens!
Whether working as part of a community project or planning something new, the ‘Nature In My Neighbourhood’ programme is a great way to learn from the experts and develop new hands-on skills.
Saturday 20 March - Stepping into the shoes of the environment. Time: 9.30 am -12.30 pm. Venue: Rutherford College and site visits. Cost: Only $10 To enrol:www.westaucklandcomed.co.nz or phone 834 4099 by Tuesday 9 March 2010.
Auckland welcomes three prestigious international sailing events to the Waitemata Harbour in March 2010 for the three-week Auckland Festival of Sailing.
Thanks to Auckland City Council, everyone can get up close to the sailing action on free public spectator boat trips running during the two key weekends of the Auckland Festival of Sailing on 13 and 14 and 20 and 21 March.
This once in a lifetime opportunity is limited to the first 120 people per sailing, with two sailings on each day at 9.30am and 1.30pm.
Registrations for a place onboard Olympic Spirit are first come, first served, and open one hour before each sailing time at the departure location, in front of Kermadec bar and restaurant, Viaduct Harbour.
'Bush Walk & Talk' is a series of five 2 hour educational walks aimed at enabling
people to identify New Zealand native trees, plants and flowers as part of a comfortable stroll in a small, social group.
Presented by Margi Keys from Discovery Walks, the programme is offered through Kaipatiki Project (www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different North Shore bush reserve is explored - there is opportunity to stop and identify species as well as discuss the surroundings.
The series costs $50 for five Saturday morning walks. Walks take place rain or shine so bring a raincoat, sturdy shoes/boots as well as water to drink.
Places are limited to 12 people so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email admin@kaipatiki.org.nz.
Want healthy food that’s locally grown or produced?
The Auckland Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community-owned and operated produce market that provides fresh, locally grown goods that come from within a 200km radius of the Grey Lynn suburb. With 30-plus stallholders, and growing, there’s plenty of choice to do your weekly shop. From vegetables and fruit, to fish and meat, salad dressing, cheese, olive oils, jams, strawberries and more, there is a story behind every product you buy.
The innovative Ooooby stall means customers can bring their own backyard produce to sell or swap with other home garden suppliers, creating a community-centric market that encourages sustainability and good food. Just bring your produce to the Ooooby stall to participate – even better, bring it pre-bagged in the quantities you want to sell and with your name and price attached.
Membership cost $30 for the year and gives you a 10% discount on your purchases, plus voting rights on how the market is run.
What: Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market When: Every Sunday but the last of the month Where: The Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland Time: 9am to 1pm Website:www.glfm.co.nz
It is still a reality that an estimated 1.1 billion people rely on unsafe drinking-water sources. Therefore the theme of World Water Day 2010 is focusing on raising awareness of water quality under the theme "Clean Water for a Healthy World".
Celebrate World Water Day by participating in these events:
A small group of keen native forest restoration workers meet each week in Centennial Park. In season we plant lots of native plants, and the rest of the year is spent mainly on weed control, with occasional track maintenance and other tasks. It is good exercise and good fun. We usually break for a coffee at 10.30 to recharge and work til midday ish. Over time a small number of dedicated people can make a big difference. For where to meet or to be on our email notification list please email bushsoc@gmail.com
For more information see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
Funded by the Perry Foundation, the popular Nursery Bites programme isFREE
and consists of nine mini-workshops held at Kaipatiki Project's Environment Centre in Birkdale(www.kaipatiki.org.nz). Each week a different plant propagation topic is focussed on, using hands-on learning and group-work in Kaipatiki's nursery and the surrounding Eskdale bush reserve.
Aimed at upskilling volunteers, Nursery Bites can be taken as individual 'bite-size' topics or as a complete series as part of a work-experience or volunteer programme. Go to the website above for a full list of topics or search the ecoevents calendar.
Places are limited to 20 people per week so booking is essential by phoning 09 482 1172 or email restoration@kaipatiki.org.nz.
North Shore Wai Care is pleased to offer the FREE annual native seed propagation workshops for 2010
Workshop 1: Saturday March 27, 9am – 12pm
General seed propagation
Seed preparation and sowing into trays
Seed collection practice and protocols
What to do with germinated seeds – pricking out and potting on
Ongoing care of propagated plants
RSVP: 19 March
Workshop 2: Saturday April 10, 9am – 12pm
Cuttings, division and where to plant the plants
·How to take and propagate cuttings of suitable native trees
·How to divide suitable native plants for planting, i.e. native grasses
·What to do with your plants once they’re ready to plant
RSVP: April 1
These are hands-on workshops so expect to take away the seeds and plants you have worked with on the day. Register for either one or both of the workshops.
Brunch is provided and most of the resources required!
Venue: Verran Primary School, 136 Verran Road, Birkenhead. Come and check out the beautiful gardens at this lovely Enviroschool.
Date: Saturday 27th March, rain date Sunday 28th Time and Place: Meet at Black Pete's Car park, 100m past Parakai Store @ 9.30 a.m. Bring: Walking Shoes, Jacket, Sunscreen lotion, Hat, Binoculars, Camera, drink and any food required. A telescope will be on hand but please feel free to bring yours if you have one. Remember a note pad and pencil if you wish to record birds seen or any other wildlife
Bookings: Please phone Felicity Smith on 09 420 7835 or 0272 843 849 or phone Chris Bindon 09 833 6363 or 0274 305 407
Cancellations/postponements: An email will be sent out Friday evening 26th confirming the field trip taking place (or not) on Saturday 27th.
This is a global occasion for communities to unite in one simple action - turning out their lights – to show the huge and growing support for action on issues of climate change and over consumption. Reaching over a billion people in 2009 its the world's largest mass-participation event ever. Do you want to be part of it?
So what can you do? 1. Take part - turn off your lights at 8.30pm on Saturday 27 March 2. Encourage and engage others - no other environmental action is more easy to communicate 3. Be active in your community - check out the website www.earthhour.org.nz
As Rod Oram said at the launch of Earth Hour 2010 "Such a demonstration of people power around the world has never been more urgent given the weakness of domestic policies here and in almost all other countries.”
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a Fullers Discovery Cruise
Fullers Discovery Cruise 3 - East of Auckland Date: Saturday 28th March Time: 9am – 5pm Guest commentary by Mike Donoghue Senior International Relations Adviser, Department of Conservation Cost: Adult $59 Child $29 Senior $49
Cruise via Ponui, Pakihi, Rangipukea and Whanganui to historic Coromandel town for a leisurely walk and return via the secret Elephant Cove, the Noises, Rakino and Rangitoto Island.
Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council invites you to help make the Pt Chev coast safer for barefooted beach goers, kite-surfing, and windsurfing by clearing the beach and intertidal area offshore of Eric Armishaw Park of dead Pacific oyster shells.
Bring suitable footwear (eg gumboots), and if possible your own gardening gloves, bucket, rake, wheelbarrow - some will also be provided so please come even if you don't have these things. Be prepared to get muddy - you might want to bring a change of clothes for afterwards.
All volunteers who help with the clean up will go into a draw to win a free kite surfing lesson worth $150. A BBQ for volunteers will be provided at the end of the cleanup.
The plan for this trip is for a full day. We will organise car-pooling before leaving the Shore and assemble once there. There will be a guided walk with Alan Emmerson and Neil Sutherland. Remember to bring lunch. Binoculars will be useful and small containers for insects if anyone is interested. Books for the identification of birds, reptiles, insects, spiders and plants will be available. For more information and to register, please contact Alan (ph 473 2216, emmo66@xtra.co.nz).
Please remember to clean and dry your boots before the trip to help prevent the spread of Kauri Die Back
The Mahurangi community forum brings together people interested in protecting the long term health of the Mahurangi harbour and catchment, with the forum being a vehicle for networking and information sharing.
Date: Monday 29 March 2010 Time: 6pm – 8pm (with light supper provided) – doors open at 5.30pm Place: Old Masonic Hall, 3 Baxter Street, Warkworth.
For further information, please contact Kim Morresey, on 09 366 2000 ext 8193 or email kim.morresey@arc.govt.nz.
Understand business accounting and ensure your business is sustainable from the bottom line up. Innovative accounting firm Hayes Knight use real life examples, workbooks and exercises in this comprehensive workshop for all levels of business. Run a profitable, sustainable business that catches the attention of buyers, ban managers and other businesses - for the right reasons.
As part of the activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park the Auckland Museum and The Auckland Regional Council are hosting a symposium with the theme New Perspectives on the Gulf in the Auckland Museum auditorium on March 30.
Registrations are limited to 200 people, with priority being given to those actively involved in management, policy development and conservation work.
A small group of keen native forest restoration workers meet each week in Centennial Park. In season we plant lots of native plants, and the rest of the year is spent mainly on weed control, with occasional track maintenance and other tasks. It is good exercise and good fun. We usually break for a coffee at 10.30 to recharge and work til midday ish. Over time a small number of dedicated people can make a big difference. For where to meet or to be on our email notification list please email bushsoc@gmail.com
For more information see www.centennialparkbushsociety.org.nz
Three Streams Bush Track Improvements The Friends of Three Streams are looking for up to 8 volunteers to help with upgrading the bush track at Three Streams Reserve by spreading metal and clearing track drainage channels.
Lunch and tools are provided. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea.
Eskdale Reserve Bush Track Improvements North Shore City Council is looking for up to 5 volunteers to help with clearing track drainage channels and topping up metal on bush tracks in the Eskdale Bush Network.
Lunch and tools are provided. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea.
Fernglen Native Plant Gardens Weed Clean Up The Fernglen Native Plant Gardens is looking for up to 15 volunteers to help with fighting weeds in this special North Shore City reserve. Fernglen is devoted to the growing and preservation of New Zealand native plants. To find out more visit www.fernglen.co.nz.
Lunch and tools are provided. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea.
The Le Roys Bush and Little ShoalBay Management Committee is looking for up to 20 volunteers to help with cleaning up rubbish in the Le Roys Bush Reserve, behind the shops on Birkenhead Ave and the clearing of accessways for future weeding and planting, as part of the first NSCC Park Care Day.
Lunch is provided. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea, as well as gloves and your favourite spade/ garden tools.
Witheford Reserve Kereru Awhina Project The Kaipatiki project is looking for up to 20 volunteers to help with clearing the reserve of invasive weeds as part of the Kereru (Native Wood Pigeon) Awhina Project.
Lunch and tools are provided. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea.
Eco- Weeding Day at Bayview Reserve The Friends of Bayview Reserve are looking for up to 20 volunteers for weeding to help the ecology of the reserve and reduce waste throughout. They have also planned some activities to put you in touch with nature. This can either be a full day activity from9.30am to 4pm or two half days from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4pm Lunch provided for full day volunteers. Please bring your own morning and afternoon tea.
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exhibition. And we are aiming to raise serious funds for Tawharanui. There are some surprises in store – as well as a fine line-up of top New Zealand artists there will be installations on environmental themes by three specially selected artists.
What to expect: Johann will talk about the state of NZ houses and their influence on our wellbeing. Starting by looking at pollutants in our homes and how to eliminate/reduce them is the first step to improve indoor air quality. Further improvements can be made through renovations and alterations. Johann will show in what ways the use of building materials, energy efficiency measures, water conservation and the minimization of waste can improve both the environment in general and our wellbeing. In this workshop you will learn to look at your house in a new way. You will be able to identify potential causes of health problems and the kind of measures that would be appropriate to deal with them. You will also learn to see the value in ‘beneficial’ investments in the house, i.e. those that improve living quality and save you money in the long run, not to mention their environmental benefits. 
Date: 30 March 2010
